Broom Moth

Moths, Pacific Northwest

The Broom Moth (Ceramica pisi) inhabits open woodland and forest edges in the Pacific Northwest. It can be seen from late May to early August when it is attracted to light. Its a small brown moth.

The distinctive brown and yellow striped caterpillar feeds not only on Scottish Broom , but can also be found feeding on bracken and various other trees and plants. It is quite common on Vancouver Island.

The wingspan of the moth is up to 37 mm wide. The length of the fore wings is up to 20 mm. The fore wing is red brown and mottled with a darker color shade. The moth flies twice from mid May to August. The larva is a purple brown to almost black (but can be green with yellow stripes as well). They have 4 deep yellow stripes of uniform width running along the sides and the head and feet.

This caterpillar not only feeds on broom and bracken, but in the garden, it can do some serious harm, it likes leafy plants and thrives on peas.